People are drawing comparisons between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s and President Donald Trump’s receptions at Pope Francis’ funeral.
Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, Trump, Zelenskyy, and Keir Starmer, the prime minister of the United Kingdom, were among the world leaders who attended the service in Rome on Saturday, April 26.
Along with his wife and First Lady, Melania, Trump attended the event alongside Prince William, Zelenskyy, and Starmer.
However, individuals are drawing attention to the clear disparities in the greetings given to the leaders, with one notable distinction in particular.
According to videos posted on X, people gave Zelesnkyy a round of applause, but Trump didn’t seem to get the same reception.
“While Zelensky was greeted with a spontaneous round of applause, Trump, in his blue suit at Pope Francis’s funeral, received nothing,” the caption read.
One commenter wrote: “That’s a lot of applause honoring #Zelenskyy – it isn’t a mere handful.” Others were eager to respond to the discussion in the comments section.
“What a beautiful and honest thing to see, amid all the heartache and shouting, that Europe values this man,” another person said. Zelenskyy is an authentic leader.
Trump’s decision to wear blue rather than black drew criticism, with many people labeling it “disrespectful.”
For the first time since their dramatic confrontation at the White House earlier this year, Zelenskyy and Trump met in person at the funeral, according to Sky News.
After traveling to Rome for the service, the two had a “very productive discussion,” according to a source who spoke to the magazine.
Trump said earlier this week that a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine was “very close” and he urged Zelenskyy to “get it done.”
He posted on his Truth Social platform, saying, “We are very close to a deal, but the man with ‘no cards to play’ should now, finally, GET IT DONE.”
“I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia, get out of this complete and total MESS, that would have never started if I were president!”
Regarding Francis, Trump stated before departing Washington: “[He] loved the world, actually, and he was just a good man.” In my opinion, he was an amazing man.
He continued, though, by saying that he would be able to “meet with a lot” of other foreign leaders at the funeral.
“It’s going to be very interesting,” Trump said MSNBC. Many international leaders have expressed interest in meeting with us.
“Trade agreements are going great. I believe that Russia and Ukraine are making progress, but they are still very vulnerable.
“I also believe that Iran is doing quite well. We’ll wait and see. We have a lot of projects underway.